Chief Minister Tony Brown has thrown a bucket of cold water over the fledgling debate about the Island’s independence.

This morning (Tuesday) in the House of Keys, North Douglas MHK Bill Henderson asked whether the government would analyse the advantages and disadvantages of abrogating from the UK.

Last week, Mec Vannin said the time had come for a real debate on the issue in the wake of the VAT announcement.

But today Mr Brown said the issue was clouded by talk of customs agreements – and ruled out any talk of independence.